Musings

Road Accidents on Highways

2010-11-16T07:53:00.000-08:00

Until recently, I used to read about people getting killed or severely injured in road accidents and used to imagine what action on part of killed and killer would have led to the incident. While going on a road trip to another city, I was amazed to see how rashly people drive on highways where most of them are not even maintaining decent distance between vehicles and are driving with speed limit 2 times higher than what is recommended. Overtaking happens just few inches away from vehicle in front ! It is amazing to see how thrill of speeding overtakes any safety concerns for family or friends accompanying the person driving. Or is it proven ability of handling speed driving which boosts confidence. Confidence,which over period of time feeds itself, grows unchecked until something fatal happens.

You will see truck drivers or some young car driver intentionally blocking your way, stopping you from overtaking. Imagine this scene when both are driving at 120-30 speed. A truck guy has nothing to lose as (a) vehicle is not his (b) even if he kills someone, he can run off and abscond (c) hardly have any feelings. A truck driver can be categorized as someone who is rustic and has no formal education whereas people who play on the highway with these truck drivers are educated,owner of the vehicle and having family who is dear to them. Still men like to take up challenge of playing with the truck drivers by putting everything they have at risk. I find it extremely difficult to understand why educated human beings would like to risk everything they have for the pleasure of winning over a truck driver or any other maniac who wants to play the fool with you on the road !

People blame government for lack of infrastructure but have you noticed how many people really value signboards put up on highways by the government to ensure safety of people on the road? Does speeding and feeling of control of vehicle an ego booster for men or is it just over-confidence at one's ability?

In a country like India, where rules are meant to be broken, animals dart across whenever they feel like, people crosss without thinking twice, vehicles come in opposite direction, people decide to stop their vehicle not off the road but on the road , speeding at more than 100 and touching 140 is sure trip to death. If you are one of those who speed and are still alive, it is not because of your driving skills or presence of mind but because God has been with you and you have been plain lucky so far !!

DEMOCRACY - Demo(n)Crazy

2010-10-27T08:13:00.000-07:00

It has been long since I posted my views on any topic. Frankly, there was nothing interesting to comment upon. Reading about Arundhati Roy and her speech on Kashmir which made news led me to think about people who love to talk in support of some issue (so they say).with half baked information. It is interesting how in a democracy, people are allowed to say what they want, do what they want and also get away the way they want !

People speak their mind without much thinking, bothering to get facts right or really understanding the situation. You will see a tennis match of words being thrown around in our political arena with each one wanting to say something about their opponent. If we could pause their conversation for a minute and playback to each individual what they said, I am sure most of them will not believe they made those childish or ridiculous comments !

The other interesting news was on CWG where crores of public money was syphoned by organisers of the game. People who are crying foul is making noise for 2 reasons - one to build up a scoring point for next elections against present government and second, dis-belief at their ill=luck at missing Golden opportunity to make quick money. Their crying had nothing to do with seeking justice for common man or for corruption.

Disturbing Videos - reality staring at us

2009-02-04T05:59:00.000-08:00

Yesterday I happened to see this video of a 6 year old being man-handled by few U.P Policemen. What baffled me is that not one among them was sensitive to the cries of the child. Here, on one hand we are fighting terrorism which we think is waged by outsiders and we show zero tolerance, on the the other we completely ignore the terrorism and atrocities growing within our system, executed/encouraged by our own people and tolerated by most of us.

We have all come to a stage when these incidents, pictures, videos hardly move us. Most of us behave like zombies watching these scenes as if it is a movie. We discuss, call few experts who give their reviews. We end the discussion by blaming system, Leadership etc and show our inability to deal with such situations.

I wish we had just one person in this country who will rise from the ashes like the Mahatma, wake us all up from our Zombie state and encourage us to protest openly and loudly. IT is a shame that with so many educated Indians, this country still has not learnt to treat a child like a child. What progress are these Leaders talking about ? Shame on all of us....

Mangalore episode

2009-01-30T08:21:00.000-08:00

The recent Mangalore attack on women at a pub and the media coverage of the same brought to light the fact that our country might be infested with people within our system trying to bring disruption and chaos among our lives. I sometimes wonder if the real terrorists are outside or inside? I suppose it is anybody's guess.

We need to clean our political system from the goondas and uneducated and bring in fresh youngsters who do not mind laying their lives for the country. I think we have had enough of dealing with people in power who want to amass as much as they can (very few who genuninely want to do something for the people). The less fortunate have a bigger task on hand i.e., think of ways to bring the people in power down so that they too get a chance to loot people's hard earned money. And, there are bigger fools like us who vote these people to power, knowing too well that they are no good. Probably it is high time all of us stood up to boycott those candidates who is interested running his/her own agendas and ideals and has zero interest in our people and country.

Mumbai Attack

2008-11-29T19:20:00.000-08:00

It was shocking to see few young boys walk right into country's financial capital and take control of two of the reputed 5-star hotels. As terrorists, their aim is to kill as many people in shortest possible time and create chaos. It is pathetic to watch today's educated youngsters getting brainwashed and being puppets in the hands of those faceless "mighty" who want to take control of world.

As an Indian I feel hopeless and angry at the way petty politicians try to take advantage of any situation by slamping the opposition instead of being united to fight one common goal which most human beings on earth is eager to deal with. We have come to a stage when behaviour of educated/uneducated babus who are voted to power to take India forward and protect its citizens has become so predictable !

It was appalling to see forces of this country using cheap quality gears (even the fly in every house would know why this is happening) and here we have Terrorists using some of the latest gadgets and gears. On one hand, most of the Indians were in awe watching the commandoes take control and risking their lives for the Country, and on the other, whole of India felt the filthy face of dirty politics becoming more prominent than ever.

Dear all, those who stood up to protect the people of Mumbai, I salute you. The entire Country stands united to thank you and your families who support you in this endeavour. I feel proud to have you amongst us.

I cannot say the same for our babus. I feel disgraced to even acknowledge that we have many who work towards one single goal of filling up their own coffers. Sometimes I wonder if there is any difference between Terrorists and politicians. One is working towards creating Terror in the minds of people and the other is working towards encouraging Terrorists (instead of Tourists) to visit India more often !!

Bucket List

2008-05-26T09:14:00.000-07:00

I found Rob Reiner's "Bucket List" a movie worth watching and worth the time. I am a person who loves to believe that life is a joy and we should enjoy it to the fullest ! Live each moment as it comes, let it not be a drag and a pain but a celebration. Life gives us each its share of roses and lilies, besides pricking us with a thorn now and then. For some, pain of the prick lasts forever and for others it just a matter of few minutes or perhaps hours before they are able to move on in life and make the most of it again !

Nature is a great healer and being with it gives me immense joy that is inexplicable. I would love to be on the mountains, or in front of vast ocean or in midst of a forest whenever I feel like it. Just soaking myself in the silence and serenity leaves me re-vitalised.

I suppose most of us have our own bucket list but probably just give it a glance once in a while or just forget about it while jet-pacing in a stress-filled life.

Save The Planet

2007-07-30T21:30:00.000-07:00

All of us are aware of the sudden changes to climatic conditions around the world and how it is affecting the lives of millions of life form on Earth.

I just added my name to the Avaaz climate pledge, a commitment to 7 simple steps we can all take to help end climate crisis. After the Live Earth concerts, hundreds of thousands of people are signing this pledge -- a Growing Global Movement to save ourselves, children of tomorrow and our planet

I urge each one of you who feels committed to saving The Planet to sign up the Climate Pledge at the following website - http://www.avaaz.org/en/ and also introduce your friends to this cause.

I personally feel that each one of us, if committed, could bring People running the countries to seriously consider giving the subject of Global Warming a more serious thought !

Poem

2007-07-15T06:48:00.001-07:00

This poem is based on a sight I happened to see on 19th Dec'93 while coming back from temple.

Passing through the busy streeets
Happened I to see group of people
Carrying on their shoulder, a body
still, cold and numb.

Covered was it with saffron cloth
Having bid goodbye to the troubled life
Strange is it to see a body dead
seems to me as if there is no
Difference between me and the body dead.

Graveyard is the last stoppage of life's journey
the remnants are the ashes when burnt
no difference is there between a dead & living being

2007-07-07T18:45:00.000-07:00

I sometimes wonder why people who are on their morning or evening walk, keep talking on the phone while walking. Why can't they just leave the phone at home and enjoy the walk, the nature, sweetness in the morning air and sounds of birds. Few of them seem to be using this instrument as a means to get over their embarrassement or shyness at having to walk alone !

Maids

2007-06-22T20:20:00.000-07:00

The first word that comes to mind when you talk of Maids is "Problem". My experience with them started when I got married and had my daughter. I have lost count of the number of maids I must have had during last 6 years. I cannot resist myself from putting down my experiences on this blog as I feel many of the working mothers out there must have experienced or are yet to experience them in your life.

The first one was Miny, who was a simple and demure lady who had no city experience. Since my daughter was only 3 months old, I wanted someone who could stay with us and look after the house and take care of my daughter too (like a nanny). One thing I must say that she was very attached to my daughter and took good care of her under the guidance of my in-laws. She had her own little problems like anybody else. With 3 daughters and no husband, it was tough decision for her to leave them in the village and come and work in the city for money. Once in a month, she is used to go to her native to see her children. Everybody at home liked her as she was uncomplicated and took care of my daughter very well. Lot many of our friends who visited us would comment on how lucky I was to have such a wonderful maid.

Well, luck perhaps did not want to hang around for too long as, after 2 yrs, Miny's youngest daughter developed some growth on her head and she had to be operated on. Miny took about 10 grand from me for her medical expenses etc., with a promise to pay me back every month. She paid almost 2 grand back, when suddenly one night she received a call from native and she had to rush to check on her daughter. That was the last I saw of her. Got a call from her after 2 weeks informing that she will not be able to return back as her daughter needed her attention. Though, I was a bit upset when I heard her on the phone, later, on thinking, I realised that Miny probably had her priorities right. She promised me that she will work in her native and return the money back slowly. Ofcourse, I did not have too much hope and as expected, it never got returned.

The next one was Shantha who was recommended by my friend. She was exactly opposite to Miny, in the sense that she was a very confident lady and was very good with cooking. She was a child's ideal friend as she knew a bit of english and also played with them. She was a more open in communication and always used to tell me her problems and used to look for some comforting words from me. I was posted overseas for 2 months and was reluctant to leave my daughter alone so I told her to come along with me, my daughter and husband. She readily agreed as she was already a passport holder. She had no problems getting accustomed overseas. She was confident enough to go around to the market to buy the provisions for home. She had a good time and so did we.

The only issue with Shantha was that she was too materialistic and had big amibitions in terms of bettering her life by ensuring her 2 sons and daughter had good education and could manage on their own when they grew up. Since her husband was jobless, he used to take care of the children but ofcourse it was quite clear that he did not have full control. The daughter was not too good in studies and stopped going to school after her 8th. Shantha wanted to save some money and get her married off when she turned 18.

While working for me, she had few issues with her daughter, in terms of, her having relationship with some boys in the neighbourhood. So, Shantha decided to place her in a good home as a live-in maid. She got her a job in Ooty and one fine morning she gets a call that her daughter got kidnapped on the way from Chennai to Mettupalayam. She took off from work for a week, looking for her and took my help too, to get her daughter traced. We managed to finally get her daughter back but this incident somehow made Shantha decide to go overseas and make some quick bucks to get her daughter married off before some new incident occurred. She went to Hongkong and was drawing a 10k salary. In 2 years time, I heard she married her daughter off and after a year later, I came to know that her daughter committed suicide.

Since both Miny & Shantha came to me through a friend, after Shantha left, I had to approach the agency for a new maid. Here is when I learnt that these Maid agencies have no business ethics, and, there only motive is to make money. They give you a maid with a guarantee to replace with a new one if the existing one leaves or if you do not like her work. Some give the guarantee for one year and some for 6 months. You have to pay these agencies 1 month salary that yr maid is going to get. Invariably, you will find that just to get their fees, they will bring in a very good maid and then within a month, they will also be looking to place her in a new home with better salary, so that they can get their fees. Agencies call these maids and tell them of the new opportunity waiting for them. Hearing this, they immediately concoct a story and leave our place. Some just act as if they are taking their monthly off to go to native and they never return.

So, in a desperate bid, you get in touch with the agency informing them that the previous one has left and you need a new one. 99% of the time, they will tell you that they do not have one at present and as and when they get a good one, they will send her across. Ofcourse, that will not happen, and we, inorder to get our home in order, also try to reach another agency to find a new one. I must had 10-12 different maids after Shantha left but none stuck for too long. So, the story goes on.........

All over Chennai, there are numerous agencies doing this work and I am yet to come across one which works with some ethics. Maybe, it is a good idea to have a NGO take on this work of placing the women in need of work with decent families. The money they get. atleast, can be used for a good cause.

(the names of the maids have been changed to protect their identity)

Life's Journey

2007-06-18T00:03:00.000-07:00

Looking at this pic that I took in LiJiang, China brings out some similarity that can be drawn about our life. Life is about a beginning and an end and the path taken to reach the end is one that of ups & downs, new challenges and a feeling of success when you get what you want.

This place is at a height of 4680 meters (similar to base camp of M.Everest) and reaching top is extremely challenging as you have to walk with min. oxygen required to fill up your lungs.

To me, the steps or the path that leads to the peak is our life's journey. Some of us, climb the steps of life complaining, others just climb it as a duty and few others climb just to reach the top. Only few would really know to be, just themselves, (ignoring what others would think of their being different) and enjoy the climb to the peak. Ofcourse, there are some who would try a different path than one that has been laid out by many. I think these group of people see much more fascinating sights, hear of the unheard and experience life in a different & unique way.

Neyyar

2007-06-17T23:22:00.000-07:00

One of the most cherished memories that I have is of the time spent at Sivananda Yoga Ashram at Neyyar dam on a 15 day course. Everything about the place is so enchanting and filled with peace & serenity.

The day used to start with a wake up call at 5 am, followed by prayer & meditation. The early morning bird sounds, the sun cracking through the trees and fresh breath of air just pepped up the spirits.

Life in a dorm was a humbling experience as I learned to live without complaints & unnecessary bickerings about mosquito, uncomfortable mattresses, cleaning the toilets used by many etc.

The simple veg food was something we used to look forward to as we only had a brunch and a supper break, besides a small tea/fruit break in the morning.

Any of you looking for a break from the stressed out life can head out for a invigorating experience at Neyyar Dam.